He’d turned off the boat, and it bobbed gently in the waves. He made no move to get up, and she could feel his gaze on her.
She looked at him and found him closer than she realized. He was regarding her seriously. His piercing blue eyes making those wings flutter.
“I had a good time today.” His words came slow and lazy.
Tension crackled in the air between them. “Me too.”
His eyes dropped to her lips, making them tingle with just a look.
And then he was right there, his lips meeting hers. He brushed them once, twice. A hum of pleasure moved through her, making the world disappear.
He moved back just a breath, pausing.
Her heart stuttered as she waited, eyes still closed, feeling his breath on her lips. Then he palmed her face and drew her back to him.
She settled her hand on the warmth of his thigh and gave herself fully to the kiss. And what a kiss it was. She’d had many of them, both on-screen and off.
But this one. She never wanted it to end. Wanted more.
He turned more fully into her, wrapping an arm around her waist, delving his fingers into her hair.
Her heart stuttered. Her breath caught in her lungs. She couldn’t get close enough. Couldn’t get enough of him, period.
A clicking sound pulled Mia back to planet Earth. A repetitive clicking. Almost like...
Levi pulled back.
Over his shoulder she saw the photographer, camera poised.
Levi shot up from the seat, rocking the boat. “Hey, take a hike, buddy! This is private property.”
Mia turned from the camera, running her hand through her tangled hair, her brain still fuzzy with that kiss.
Someone from the marina was already making his way down the dock. “I’ll have to ask you to leave, sir.”
The photographer was backing away, still snapping photos.
Levi took a few threatening steps toward the man. “Back off!”
“Sir, you need to leave.”
Had Levi seen the photographer lurking in the shadows as they’d approached the dock? Had he staged the moment? That amazing kiss?
Think they got some good shots?
Levi’s words from earlier flashed in Mia’s mind.Those butterflies seemed to sink like lead to the bottom of her stomach.
“I’ll tie up for you,” the marina guy said to Levi.
“Thanks, Ernest.” Levi grabbed her hand. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
***
The mood had shifted by the time Levi ushered Mia inside the inn. The photographers were still out front, although there were fewer. Mia had been quiet since they left the marina.
He’d been irate when that infernal clicking had interrupted their kiss. But it had only taken about two seconds to start wondering if Mia’s generous response had been for the benefit of the camera. And that had done nothing for his mood.
The quiet drive home provided time for further speculation. This was Mia Emerson he was talking about. The famous celebrity, Mia Emerson, worshiped by every male over the age of twelve. What had he been thinking?
